This is suggested by a British researcher who found that this oil, used in aromatherapy, reduced the symptoms of anxiety experienced by patients just before their appointment.

After installing an essential oil diffuser in the waiting room of a dental clinic, two questionnaires were administered to a total of 340 patients, half of whom were exposed to the scent of lavender oil.

Result: those who had not had the right to aromatherapy displayed a degree of anxiety equivalent to 10,7, on a scale taking into account the two questionnaires, compared to 7,4 for patients who smelled lavender.

This calming effect was noticeable just a few minutes after exposure to lavender essential oil. And this, regardless of the nature of the appointment: oral cleaning, filling of cavities, tooth extraction …

According to Metaxia Kritsidima, the study she led is relevant as the anxiety experienced by a patient is not only stressful for him, but also for the medical team.

“Working in a context of tension can compromise the performance of the dentist or his team, in addition to lengthening waiting times,” she says.

That’s why she believes dentists could add aromatherapy to other methods they use to soothe their patients, including hypnotherapy.

Martin LaSalle – PasseportSanté.net

1. See the press release of the British Psychological Society, issued September 11, 2008 [accessed September 16, 2008].